Family Self-Sufficiency

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program was established to promote self-sufficiency among families currently receiving Housing Choice Voucher/Section-8 assistance or Public Housing assistance. The family’s objective is to achieve independence and growth towards the goal of self-sufficiency. The FSS family will be required to fulfill their goal within five years after starting the program.

FSS Participant Opportunities

Family Self-Sufficiency’s main feature is an escrow savings account.

Escrow Savings Account

Section-8 or Public Housing families receiving assistance through SLHA who increase their earned income from the time of their enrollment in the program will benefit from this account.

The participant is able to receive his/her escrow savings account when all of the terms are met on the Individual Training and Service Plan which is specifically designed to meet each family’s goals. The goals of the program all lead to economic self-sufficiency.

Successful families who complete all of the service plan goals, are employed full-time in sustainable wage employment and are free of monetary subsidy like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Eligibility Requirements

You must be head of household.

You must be currently receiving rental (Housing Choice Voucher/Section-8), homeownership assistance, or Public Housing assistance.

You must not owe the Housing Authority for damages and you must be current in your rent.

To verify your rent status we need, in writing, a letter from your manager or landlord, stating that you are current in rent.

At least two (2) reference letters, on an agency letterhead, for character reference (manager, landlord, pastor, education counselor, advisors, and teachers) and for work history (supervisors). References are not accepted from relatives.

After qualifications are met, you will be required to sign the FSS Contract of Participation.